By Krati Purwar
May 20, 2025
Watermelon, unlike your regular fruits, is not something that many people opt to grow at home. It can take up a lot of space in your garden, but it is not an impossible task. Follow this step-by-step guide to grow this hydrating fruit at home.
Choose the right variety of watermelon that would suit the climate of your city. Since watermelons need time to grow, you must sow the seeds before the last frost, ideally in late February or early March in North India.
Watermelon plants need 6-8 hours of sunlight every day and grow in well-drained soil. Keep the space of 3-5 feet between two plants, but if you are growing bush varieties, 2-3 feet apart is fine. The pH of soil should be between 6 and 6.8.
Seeds must be sown at least an inch apart and 2-3 inches deep into the soil. Once you see seedlings, transplant them in the garden. You must take extra care not to hinder the growth of roots.
You will need to water the plants every day, especially when you notice fruit and flower development. Provide the soil with a well-balanced fertiliser that is high in phosphorus and potassium.
Allow the space for vines to grow and flourish without restriction to the air flow. You should also let the bees pollinate, else, you will have to hand-pollinate. If you hand-pollinate, you can grow more watermelons in your garden.
To keep pests away, use organic pest control that does not add chemicals to the fruit itself. You should also use fungicides to protect the plant from diseases. For young plants, use row covers to keep them cool and shield them from pests.
When you witness signs of ripeness, it is time for the harvest. You need to keep track of when the fruit is supposed to mature. Using a sharp knife, cut the watermelon from the vine, and enjoy it after washing and cooling it.